BV 

4*3 1& 
S7K5" 


University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


CASE 
B 


Mr.  Kirkland's 
ARTILLERY  ELECTION 

SERMON. 


SERMON, 

PREACHED    BEFORE    THE 

ANCIENT    AND   HONORABLE 

ARTILLERY  COMPANY, 

IN  Botfon,  JUNE  i,  1795, 

BUNG    THE    ANNIVERSARY    OF    THEIR 

ELECTION  OF  OFFICERS. 


BY  JOHN  THORNTON  KIRKLAND, 

th«  New  South  Church  in  Bofton, 


PRINTED  AT  THE  APOLLO  PRESS,  IN  BOSTON, 

BY    JOSEPH    BELKNAP, 

No,  8,  Dock  Square, 


IIDCCX.CV, 


AN 


ARTILLERY  ELECTION 

SERMON. 


PSALM  LXXVL  10. 

SURELY  THE  WRATH  OF  MAN  SHALL  PRAISE  THEE  :  THI 
REMAINDER  OF  WRATH  SHALT  THOU  RESTRAIN. 

JLN  all  the  events  of  the  world,  the  wife 
and  good  direction  of  God  is  to  be  acknowledg- 
ed and  adored.  The  voice  of  reafon  accords 
with  the  voice  of  revelation,  in  proclaiming  him 
the  difpofer  and  governor,  as  well  as  the  cont^v- 
er  and  former,  of  the  fyftem  which  we  behold. 
The  ftupendous  and  minute,  the  beneficial  and 
deftrudtive  operations  and  effefts  of  natural  ob- 
je&s,  call  our  reverent  attention  to  him,  as  their 
great  firft  caufe.  The  fuccefiive  and  interefting 
changes  of  the  moral  and  religious,  the  political 
and  focial  afpeft  of  mankind,  refer  us  to  him,  as 
their  almighty  and  all-wife  fuperintcndent.  In 


..80702 


5,  we  ought  to  poflefs 
a  firm  conviction,  that  God  has  not  forfaken  any 
part  of  his  world,  nor  left  to  chance  the  condi- 
tion of  any  one  of  his  creatures ;  that  he  prefides, 
in  every  place  and  period,  to  guide  by  his  wif- 
dom,  blefs  by  his  goodnefs,  enliven  by  his  ener- 
gy, and  control  by  his  power.  In  all  our  re- 
flections on  this  adminiftration  of  the  univerfe, 
we  ought  to  entertain  a  full  perfuafion,  that  he 
permits  nothing  unfit  to  be  permitted,  and  effects 
nothing  unfit  to  be  effected ;  that  he  connects 
and  regulates  events,  apparently  moft  difconnec- 
ted  and  irregular  j  and  fo  overrules  and  difpofes 
them,  that  confufion  iffues  in  order,  tumult  in 
tranquillity,  and  fuffering  in  enjoyment.  By 
iiich  a  perpetual  and  devout  acknowledgment  of 
the  Supreme  Being  in  all  that  takes  place,  we 
{how  a  becoming  fenfe  of  his  authority,  and  learn 
his  nature  .and  perfections,  the  rules  of  his  gov- 
ernment, and  the  duty  and  intereft  of  his  ration-* 
nl  offspring.  Our  hearts  are  impiefTed  with  rev- 
erence and  humility,  and  expanded  with  admira- 
tion and  joy.  The  murmurs  of  difcontent  are 
htiihcd ;  the  alarms  of  fear  are  quieted  ;  the 
gloom,  which  often  gathers  over  this  difordered 
/late,  is  difperfed  j  and  luilre  is  (lied  upon  the 
face  of  the  world. 

In  contemplating  the  wicked  paffions  and  con* 
l  of  mankind,  we  derive  confolaticn  and  im- 


ptovcment  from  the  dodrine  of  a  wife  and  be- 
nevolent Providence.  When  we  fee  that  their 
heart  is  fet  in  them  to  do  evil,  and  the  work  of 
violence  is  in  their  hand,  a  dark  veil  is  drawn 
over  the  divine  proceedings,  and  men  feem  to  ex- 
ift,  that  they  may  deform  the  world,  and  afflidt 
each  other.  But  thefe  gloomy  appearances  van- 
ifh,  and  light  breaks  forth,  when  the  declaration 
of  the  facred  volume  is  fully  confidered  and  bc- 
Ikved :  SURELY  THE  WRATH  OF  MAN  SHALL 

PRAISE  GOD  :     THE    REMAINDER  OF    WRATH 

SHALL  HE  RESTRAIN.  The  pride  and  felfilh- 
refs  of  men  are  fubjedl  to  his  control  and  direc- 
tion, and  converted  to  purpofes  of  benevolence 
and  wifdorru  Their  difregard  and  contempt  of 
his  perfections,  laws,  and  government,  and  their 
hatred,  oppreffion,  and  abufe  of  one  another,  ever 
have  been,  are,  and  will  be  fupcrintended  by  Al- 
mighty God,  rendered  fubfervient  to  his  glory 
and  the  general  good,  and  limited,  in  their  de- 
gree and  extent,  according  to  his  appointment. 

This  dodtrine  of  an  overruling  Providence, 
aflerted  in  the  text,  might  be  particularly  appli- 
ed to  all  the  moral  diforders  in  human  nature 
and  human  fociety  :  but  it  will  be  more  fuitable 
to  the  occafion  to  take  a  more  confined  range,  and^ 
illuftrate  it  with  refpedl  to  the  difpofition  to  war 
ever  found  in  mankind ;  its  fources,  operation* 


andeffeds*  We  fhudder  with  horror  and  figh 
with  grief,  when  we  confider  the  ftate  of  hoflili- 
ty,  to  which  focieties  have  been  incident  from 
their  formation ;  in  confequence  of  which  the 
fword  has  been  the  meafure  .of  juftice,  and  the 
weak  have  been  the  prey  of  the  ftrong ;  man, 
defigned  for  a  bleffing,  has  often  proved  a  curfe 
to  man,  and  killing  and  deflroying  been  ftudied 
as  indifpenfable  arts,  and  purfued  as  glorious  em- 
ployments. But  ourfeelings  will  not  be  deftitutc 
of  relief,  nor  our  minds  of  inftrudion,  in  the 
contemplation  of  this  melancholy  picture  of  hu- 
man depravity,  folly,  and  mifery,  if  we  have  a 
fettled  belief  in  a  preliding  Deity,  and  fee  a  ra- 
tional profped:  of  the  gradual  reftraint  and  ulti- 
mate termination  of  the  violence  of  men, 

In  order  to  furnifh  this  relief  and  inftrudion 
from  thefe  fources,  it  will  be   attempted   in  the 
following  part  of  this  difcourfe, 
*  I.     To  ihow  in  what  refped  war  is  an  evil/ 

II.  To  prove,  though  it  be  in  many  refpeds 
an  evil,  yet  that  it  is,  under  the  condud   of  di- 
vine Providence,  in  known  and  unknown  ways, 
made  productive  of  good. 

III.  To  reprefent,  that  as,  by   the  influence 
of  chriftianity,  of  arts  and  civilization,  the  hor- 
rors of  war  have   been    mitigated  ;  fo  we    have 
reiiibn  to  believe,  that,  by   the  increafe   of  this 


influence,  and  the  progfefs  of  knowledge  and 
liberty,  a  period  will  be  put  to  contentions  by 
force,  and  the  world  be  blefied  with  univerial  and 
perpetual  peace. 

Thefe  topics  being  {lightly  difcufsed,  an  ap- 
plication of  the  difcourfe  to  the  ftate  of  our 
country  and  the  prefent  occafion,  will  be  fub- 
joined. 

I.     In  what  refpedls  is  war  ah  evil  ? 

War  is  an  evil  in  refpect  to  its  caufes,  effects* 
and  extent.  What  are  its  CAUSES,  but  odious 
and  difgraceful  paffions  ;  ungoverned  anibition, 
avarice,  pride  .and  revenge  ?  In  felf-defence  do 
a  people  often  arm,  commence  and  profecute 
war  :  their  motive  is  juft,  and  their  conduct 
praife-worthy.  But  as  the  neceflity  of  felf-de- 
fence  is  created  by  the  intended  or  actual  invst- 
fion  of  their  rights  •  the  inordinate  paffions,  the 
unjuft  claims,  the  violent  proceedings  of  the  in- 
vader, are  ftrictly  the  caufe  of  every  fuch  war  j 
and  in  no  cafe,  except  in  that  of  involuntary  mif- 
take,  which  is  rare,  could  there  be  a  refort  to 
arms  by  two  powers,  were  not  one  difpofed  to 
injure  the  other,  and  compafs  an  end  by  the  vi- 
olation of  his  rights.  To  extend  territory  .and 
commerce,  and  increafe  power  ;  to  keep  what 
they  have  no  right  to  poflefs,  and  gain1  what  they 
have.no  right  to  purfue  ;  to  gratify  refentmenr, 

build  up  a  fact  ion  j   or  eftabliili    the   tyrannical 
B 


claims  of  family  connexions  j  to  feed  a  paffion 
for  ideal  glory,  or  vent  a  turbulent  and  reftlefs 
fpirit ;  are  aggreflbrs  in  wars  prompted  to  facri- 
fice  the  lives,  and  lay  wafte  the  pofleflions  of 
themfelves  and  their  adverfaries.  Aftua'-ed  by 
thefe  unjuftifiable  and  unworthy  views,  do  fov- 
ereigns  and  nations  begin  or  compel  thofe,  whom 
they  infult  and  opprefs,  to  begin  contefts,  which, 
maintained  with  blood  and  rapine,  give  a  horrid 
and.  mournful  afpect  to  human  affairs.  Since 
perfections  on  account  of  religion  have  been  of- 
ten carried  on  with  fhocking  cruelty  and  im- 
menfe  deftruction,  it  may  be  thought  by  fome 
that  religion  ihould  be  mentioned  among  the 
caufes  of  war.  But  little  attention  is  requifite, 
to  convince  a  candid  mind,  that  it  has  not  much 
conduced  to  this  calamity  ;  for  there  have  been 
few  confcientious  perfecutors  :*  the  greateft  num- 
ber have  adled  from  the  luft  of  gain  and  domin- 
ion, like  tyrants  and  conquerors  in  general.  The 
wars  called  religious  have  been  commonly  politi- 
cal, and  a  defire  of  gaining  and  keeping  influence,, 
not  of  promoting  piety,  has  originated  and  main- 
tained them. 

What  mingled  grief  and  indignation  are  exci- 
ted in  our  bofoms  by  the  conlideration  of  thefe 
caufes  of  war  ?  Mo  ft  of  them  paffions,  which 
clilgrace  our  nature,  deilroy  our  tranquility,  and 

*'  Palep's-  Evidences,,.  Part  iii.  ch»  vii. 


ally  us  to  brutal  and  infernal  beings;  all  of  them, 
how  inefficient,  alas  !  to  juftify  the  production 
of  fuch  complicated  and  extenfive  mifery  ! '  Ye 
princes  and  ftatefmen  !  who,  appointed  by  Fro- 
vidence  the  protectors,  .become  the  deftroyers  of 
mankind,  who  wade  to  empire  through  blood, 
and  water  your  conquefts  with  the  tears  of  mil- 
lions :  ye  popular  leaders  !  who  employ  your 
art  and  eloquence,  to  deceive  and  inflame  the 
multitude;  and  to  compafs  your  views  of  faction 
or  ambition,  plunge  your  country  into  unnecef- 
fary  and  defolating  war ;  paule  in  your  mad  ca- 
reer, confider  the  enormity  of  your  conduit,  and 
know,  that  if  fecure  from  the  avenging  arm  of 
man,  ye  cannot  efcape  the  tribunal  of  Eternal 
Juftice. 

To  eftimate  its  evil,  from  the  CAUSES,  we 
proceed  to  the  EFFECTS  of  war.  Lives  deftroy- 
ed,  which  are  the  flower  and  ftrength  of  a  nation, 
and  the  foul  of  induftry ;  cities,  the  feats  of  op- 
ulence and  fplendor,  laid  in  ruins ;  fertile  and 
pleafant  fields  changed  to  dreary  tracts  of  defo- 
latiori ;  inhabitants  diverted  from  their  ufeful 
employments ;  the  channels  of  commerce  ob- 
ftructed  or  flopped ;  the  means  of  fubfiftence 
rendered  difficult  or  impoffible  to  be  obtained ; 
enormous  public  exactions ;  and  diminifhed  or 
exhaufted  refources ;  form  one  aflemblage  of  its 
calamities.  See  it  next  mingle  bitternefs  in  the 


-la 


cup  of  domeftic  joys  fow  hatred  and  diffenfioa 
in  the  bofom  of  families  ;  diffolve  the  ties,  and 
wound  the  fenfibiiities  of  nature ;  rob  the  aged 
parent  of  his  folace,  the  affeftionate  wife  of  her 
companion,  the  helplefs  child  of  its  fupporter. 
But  its  civil  and  domeftic  are  outweighed  by  its 
moral  evils.  By  the  colledtion  of  men  into  ar- 
mies, and  the  nature  of  military  life,  they  are 
rendered  diiTolute  in  principles  and  manners. 
By  the  interruption  of  legal  proceedings,  ini- 
,  quity,  being  fecure  from  detedion  and  punifli- 
ment,  abounds ;  and  by  the  fluctuation  of  pro- 
perty, and  the  violation  of  public  and  private 
contracts  attendant  on  war,  the  fentiments  and 
habits  of  juftice  are  unfettled.  The  perpetual 
exercife  of  the  hoitile  paffions,  creates  a  tempe* 
of  hatred  and  revenge ;  and  familiarity  with 
fcenes  of  blood,  imparts  a  ferocious  and  cruel 
caft  to  the  character.  Laftly,  in  confequence  of 
this  ftate  oi  disunion  and  hoftility  in  which  na- 
tions exift,  the  rights  of  all,  except  the  ftrongeft, 
are  infecure  ;  poffeffions  are  unftable,  and  inter- 
courfe  is  damped  by  an  ever  wakeful  jealoufy. 
Peace,  not  fuperfeding  a  conflant  readinefs  for 
xvar,  is  jfcarce  lefs  expenfive  than  war  itfelf ;  the 
vindication  of  rights  often  caufes  -more  lofs  than 
their  furrender ;  entering  into  treaties  is  alfrioft 
ufelefs,  whilft  there  is  no  fecurity  for  their  ob- 
fervance;  avoiding  contentions  of  our  own  en- 


HL 

fares  net  tranquillity,  whilit  we  are  expofed  to 
the  frequent  neceiTity  of  taking  part  in  the  con- 
tentions of  others.  The  energy  of  nations  is 
expended  in  the  defence,  rather  than  the  im- 
provement of  their  poffeffions  ;  and  the  bleffings 
beftowed  on  them  by  God  and  nature,  are  unufed 
or  wafted. 

The  EXTENT  of  war  is  as  great,  as  its  CAUS- 
ES and  EFFECTS  are  deftructive.  In  what  pe- 
riod has  it  not  founded  its  alarms  ?  In 'what  re- 
gion has  it  not  fpread  its  defolations  ?  From  the 
firft  age  to  the  prefent,  from  the  northern  to  the  ~  :, 
fouthern  zone,  from  the  rude  pagan  of  America 
to  the  polifhed  chriftian  of  Europe,  the  refort  to 
force  has  prevailed.  At  this  moment  we  behold 
the  greateft  portion  of  the  civilized  world  in  hoi- 
tile  commotion,  and  the  ancient  continent  a  field 
of  battle. 

Such  is  the  picture  of  diftrefsand  ruin,  which 
war  in  general  prefents.  Is  the  mind  opprefTed 
with  gloom  and  horror  on  beholding  it  ?  Let  it 
be  cheered  and  instructed  by  considering,  what 
is  the  fecond  topic  of  difcourfe, 

II.  That  though  war  be  in  many  refpefts  an 
evil,  yet  it  is,  under  the  conduct  of  divine  Pro- 
vidence, in  known  an4  unknown  ways,  made 
produdive  of  good. 

God's  fuperintendence  over-  human  affairs  is 
declared  in  the  fcriptures  in  various  and  pointed 


temps.  *'  Of  him,  through  him,  and  to  him, 
are  all  things.  Shall  there  be  evil  in  the  city 
and  the  Lord  hath  not  done  it  ?  Who  rulelh  in 
the  kingdom  of  men,  and  giveth  it  to  whomfo- 
ever  he  will ;  putteth  down  one  and  fetteth  up 
another ;  maketh  peace  and  createth  evil ;"  who 
faith  to  the  wrathful  tyrant,  "  I  will  put  my 
hook  in  thy  nofe,  and  my  bridle  in  thy  lips ;  for 
this  caufe  have  I  raifed  thee  up,  to  {how  in  thee 
my  power."  Let  not  our  inability  to  compre- 
hend the  manner,  induce  us  to  doubt  the  reality 
of  this  divine  adminiftration*  Who  will  pre- 
fume, to  deny  that  the  Almighty  Lord  of  the 
univerfe  is  both  able  and  difpofed  to  exercife  it  ? 
He  is  able,  becaufe  he  poffeffes  univerfal  knowl- 
edge, perfed:  wifctom,  and  infinite  power.  En- 
dowed with  thefe  perfections,  he  may,  by  ori- 
ginally eftablifhing  fuch  laws  in  the  natural  and 
moral  world,  as  would  produce  the  preciie  ef- 
fedts,  and  no  other,  which  he  choofes  to  have 
occur,-  or  by  occasional  interpofitions,  regulate 
all  events.  Is  it  objected  that  the  freedom  of 
the  human  will  proves  the  events  depending  on 
that  will  incapable  of  regulation  ?  We  reply  that 
this  faculty  is  the  gift  of  God,  to  whom,  when 
he  bellowed  it,  all  its  poffible  operations  were 
known  ;  therefore  it  operates  nothing  which  he 
did  not  determine  to  admit  intohis  world.  Befides, 
how  entirely  may  he  control  its  determinations, 


*5 

without  deftroying  its  freedom.  If  a  wife  man, 
by  addreffing  motives  to  the  mind  of  a  perfon, 
can  in  many  inftances  precifely  influence  his  con- 
dud:,  without  infringing  his  agency ;  we  mufl 
afcribe  a  fimilar  power  in  far  higher  meafure  to 
God,  the  being,  whofe  underftanding  is  infinite, 
and  whofe  prefence  is  univerfal ;  who  has  accefs 
to  the  moft  delicate  fprings  and  latent  move- 
ments of  our  fouls  ;  and  holds  all  nature  in  his 
hand,  from  a  planet  to  an  atom,  from  a  fyflern 
to  a  worm.  To  prove  that  he  is  difpofed,  as 
well  as  able,  to  conduct  the  affairs  of  his  world, 
if  it  be  not  irreverent  to  talk  of  proving  fo  bright 
a  truth,  we  need  only  obferve,  that  God  made 
the  wrorld  for  fome  end ;  and  tinlefs  he  control 
occurrences,  this  end  may  be  fruftrated ;  and 
that  he  is  good,  delighting  in  the  happinefs  of 
his  creatures ;  therefore  does  not  refign  them  to 
chance,  nor  bind  them  in  fate ;  but  limits  and 
guides  actions  and  events,  as  the  purpofes  of 
goodnefs  diftate. 

AfTurecJ,  therefore,  that  the  commencement, 
the  continuance,  and  the  termination  of  war,  the 
moft  unjuft  and  cruel,  is  in  all  cafes  under  the 
conduit  of  divine  Providence  ;  we  are  alfo  allur- 
ed, that  evil  as  it  is,  in  unknown  as  well  as 
known  ways,  it  is  made  productive  of  good.. 
By  abftrad:  reafonings,  on  the  character  of  God, 
by  the  prevailing  tendency  of  his  works,  and  by 


the  difcovenes  of  revelation,  we  are  compelled  to 
believe  that  the  Author  of  the  univerfe  is  good,  as 
well  as  powerful  and  wife.  Therefore,  feeing  he 
is  a  perfect  being,  a  per  fed:  fyftem  will  be  produced 
by  him  ;  and  no  eventsbe  directed  or  permitted  to 
take  place  in  it,  which  are  not  confident  with  the 
greateft  good  of  the  whole.  Though  we  difcern 
not  how  natural  and  moral  evil  is  rendered  fub- 
fervient  to  good  ;  "yet  we  ought  not  to  doubt  it ; 
nor  deny  that  that  is  the  beft  of  all  poffible  fyf- 
tems,  in  which  much  evil  is  mingled  ;  whilfb  we 
fee  it  evidently  anfvvering  important  ends,  effen- 
tial  to  a  ftate  of  moral  difcipline,  giving  fcope  to 
great  and  improving  exertion,  and  often  iffuing 
in  enjoyment*  This  reafoning  on  evil  in  general, 
muft  be  applied  to  the  evil  of  war  in  particular. 
When  ready  to  inquire,  why  war  has  been  fuf- 
fered  to  rage  in  every  period,  clime  and  nation, 
why  the  weak  and  inoffenfive  have  been  fubjecl- 
ed  to  the  injuftice  and  violence  of  the  powerful 
and  ambitious,  and  have  been  forced  to  feek  ref-' 
tige  from  the  calamities  of  oppreffion  in  the  ca- 
lamities of  refiftance ;  let  us  reflect  on  that  di- 
vine adminiftration,  which  in  numberlefs  uridif- 
cernible  methods,  brings  order  and  happinefs 
out  of  this  diforder  and  mifery  j  let  us  reflect  on 
that  human  ignorance,  which  forbids  cenfure, 
complaint,  or  diiiruft;  and  let  our  reliance  on 
this  almighty  and  benevolent  fupcrintendence  be 


g 

•     •-     tm 

ftrengthened  by  confidering  feme  inftancts,  in 
which  good  is  made  to  refult  from  war,  howev- 
er unjuftifiable  maybe  its  authors,  ordeftructive 
its  general  and  direct  effects. 

In  facred  hiftory,  we  behold  the  violence  and 
hoftility  of  man,  from  the  firft  unnatural  mur- 
der to  the  crucifixion  of  the  Saviour,  inftument- 
al  of  important  purpofes,  by  difplaying  the  di- 
vine perfections ;  by  rewarding  the  good,  puri- 
ifhing  the  bad  and  reclaiming  the  devious  ;  by 
aiding  and  accomplifhing  the  difpenfations  of 
heaven  for  the  instruction  and  falvat'ion  of  man- 
kind. 

Viewing  lociety  in  the  glafs  of  general  hiftory, 
we  find  this  deftroying  fcourge  in  feveral  rc- 
fpects  a  blefling  to  man,  as  it  relates  to  the  im- 
provement of  his  character  and  condition,  to  lib- 
erty and  fcience. 

It  roufes  men  in  the  favage  ftate  from  their 
ftupidity.  Their  intellect  buried  under  the  groff- 
nefs  of  appetite,  and  their  powers  exerfed  only 
at  the  calls  of  fenfe,  they  naturally  fink  into 
brutal  Self-indulgence,  and  liftlefs  inaction. 
"I  he  defire  of  a  better  ftate,  it  is  ob  Served,  has 
lefs  influence  in  exciting  human  efforts  than  the 
fear  of  a  worfe.  Therefore,  impending  danger, 
aided  by  ftrong  defires  of  revenge  and  glory, 
kindles  the  ardor,  and  Stimulates  the  activity  ot 

barbarians,  when  nothing  elfe  would  do  it.   They" 
d 


tl 

are  thus  preferved  from  the  degradation  of  a  mere 
animal  life  ;  their  faculties  are  invigorated  by 
exercife ;  for  purpofes  of  offence  and  defence 
they  invent  and  employ  arts,  from  which,  ex- 
tended and  advanced,  peace  derives  its  conven- 
ience, and  life  its  moft  valuable  improvements.* 

War  calls  forth  feme  of  the  nobleft  and  bell 
energies  of  the  foul,  for  which  the  calm  of  peace 
docs  notaffordfuch  favorable  opportunities.  The 
magnanimity,  which  contemns  difficulty,  the 
courage  which  defies  danger,  the  humanity  which 
relents  over  a  vanquilhed  foe,  the  ingenuity 
which  devifes  and  the  vigor  which  executes,  are 
brought  into  illuflrious  difplay  in  military  con- 
tefts  ;  and  fpread  a  glory  over  the  charadter  of  the 
warrior. 

To  the  violent  attempts  of  tyrants  to  retard 
and  crufh  liberty,  are  we  to  afcribe  in  fome  in- 
ftances  its  rapid  progrefs  and  complete  trtumph. 
The  cruel  oppreffion  or  wanton  deftrucfiion  of 
one  or  more  afferters  of  it  has,  by  interefting  pub- 
lic companion  in  their  favor,  increafed  the  ad- 
herents of  their  caufe  ;  and  by  roufing  the  gen- 
eral indignation,  infpirited  the  united  refiflance 
of  the  fufTerers,  and  effected  the  fudden  over- 
throw of  ufurpation  and  defpotifm. 

Truth,  efpecially  religious  truth,  muft  be  ac- 
knowledged to  have  been  in  fome  meafure  pro- 

*  Prieflley's  Ic6lures  CHJ  hiftorv. 


tnoted  by  the  violence  of  its  enemies.  The  un- 
relenting perfecution  of  the  firft  teachers  of  chrif- 
tianity,  by  warming  their  zeal  and  animating 
their  exertions  ;  by  putting  it  in  their  power  to 
give  convincing  proof  of  their  fincerity  by  extra- 
ordinary patience  and  refolution ;  and  by  awaking 
iympathy  with  them  as  injured  perfons,  contri- 
buted indirectly  to  extend  and  eftablifh  the  fyf- 
tem . 

What  confolation  have  we  amid  the  horror 
.and  execration  of  war,  and  what  gratitude  and 
truft  are  due  to  the  Supreme  Difpofer,  when  we 
confider  fome  of  the  advantages  flowing  to  fci- 
ence  and  art  from  this  unexpected  fource.  Hif- 
tory  ihows  that  public  commotions,  by  obliging 
men  of  learning  to  retreat  from  the  feat  of  war  in- 
to quiet  countries,  have  brought  to  them  valua- 
ble acceffions  of  knowledge  ;  that  barbarous 
nations  conquered  by -civilized,  have  received  arts 
with  maflers  ;  that  by  con  quell  a  communica- 
tion has  been  opened  between  regions  before  fep- 
arated  from  each  other  ;  and  the  empire  of  com- 
merce and  refinement  been  greatly  enlarged.  But 
in  another  view  it  has  been  obferved  to  ferve  the 
caufe  of  human  improvement.  A  military  con- 
tell,  particularly  of  a  free  people  in  defence  of 
freedom,  creates  a  ferment  of  mind,  fets  the  facul- 
ties to  work,  expands  the  viexvs,  and  invigorates 
the  adive  principles.  Hence  in  a  time  of  public 


commotion,  ingenious  and  important  discoveries 
and  inventions  often  appear  ;  and  foon  after  the 
clofe  of  a  fuccefsful  ftruggle  for  their  liberties  by 
a  nation,  rapid  progrefs  is  made  in  the  arts  and 
fciences.  Our  country  exemplifies  the  truth  of 
this  obfervation,  which  amid  the  tumult  of  a  re- 
volution eftabalilhed  academies  of  fciences,  and 
made  great  advances  in  fpeculative  and  prac-lical 
knowledge  ;  and  which,  fince  the  return  of 
peace,  has  exhibited  fingular  exertions  of  genius 
and  enterprise,  accompliilied  in  a  few  years  what 
the  boldnefs  of  .conje&ure  had  not  prefumed  to 
date  within  half  a  century  ;  and  by  that  force  of 
character  which  overcame. our  invaders,  is  over- 
coming nature. 

Thefe  are  fome  of  the  known  ways,  in  which 
war,  however  evil  in  its  caufes  and  effects,  has 
been  obferved,  under  the  conduct  of  divine  Pro- 
vidence, to  be  productive  of  good.  What  ad- 
miration, gratitude,  and  joy  (liquid  be  raifed  in 
our  hearts  by  the  cqnfideration  of  this  Provi- 
dence, which  makes  the  contentions,  which  we 
lament,  the  means  of  our  improvement,  and  edu- 
ces important  bleffings  from  dreadful  calamities. 
Yet,  notwithstanding  thefe  confoling  circum- 
flances  attendant  on  war,  its  ruin  and  diftrefs  are 
fo  extenfive  and  mournful,  as  to  make  the  bene- 
yolent  exult  in  the  idea-— 


III.  That  as  by  the  influence  of  chriftianity, 
the  advancement  of  arts  and  civilization,  the 
horrors  of  war  have  been  mitigated  among  many 
nations,  fo  we  have  reafon  to  believe,  that  by  the 
increale  of  ihis  influence,  and  the  progrefs  of 
knowledge  and  liberty,  a  period  will  be  put  to 
contentions  by  force,  and  the  world  be  blefTed 
with  univerfal  and  perpetual  peace. 

In  thofe  nations,  who  have  received  the  NAME 
of  CHRISTIAN,  though  national  dilputes  are 
decided  by  force  ;  yet  this  is  done  with  lefs  fre- 
quency, cruelty,  and  definition,  than  marked 
iuch  decifions  among  ancient  and  heathen  States, 
The  mild  and  gentle  tenets  of  the  gofpel,  and  the 
view  it  gives  of  the  perfcdl  equality  of  man,  as 
partakers  of  a  common  nature,  duty,  and  hope, 
and  children  of  a  common  parent,  have  had  a 
mighty  effedt,  notwithfbmding  the  great  and  gen- 
eral perverfion  of  its  doctrines,  and  difregard  of 
its  precepts,  to  tbftenthe  animofities,  remove  the 
prejudices,  and  promote  the  union  of  public  bod- 
ies. The  abolition  of  polytheifm  and  human 
Sacrifices,  of  domeftic  flayery,  the  expofure  of  in- 
fants, and  other  Shocking  vices  pra&ifed  and  vin- 
dicated in  the  moft  refined  ages  of  the  moil  refin- 
ed nations  of  antiquity,  the  diffuiion  of  a  fpirit 
of  mildnefs  and  charity  into  the  intercourfe 
ca  private  life,  and  the  introduction  of  humane 
maxims  into  war,  the  observance  of  which  ft  rips 


it  of  half  its  terrors,  are  among  the  effects  of  the 
chriftian  religion.  To  this  fource  they  are  un- 
avoidably traced,  becaufe  they  naturally  flowed 
from  it  ;  they  exifted  with  it ;  and  they  are  not 
found,  where  it  has  not  reached.  This  religion 
was  not  without  its  influence  even  on  the  barbar- 
ous invaders  of  the  Roman  empire,  after  their 
iettlement  in  it.  It  laid  fome  reftraint  on  the 
ferocity  of  private  quarrels  in  the  dark  ages  ;  and 
it  mingled  its  gentlenefs  and  humanity,  with 
barbarian  fiercenels  and  cruelty,  in  chivalry.  So 
much  refpect  to  its  principles  do  the  prefent  na- 
tions of  Chriftendom  render,  as  to  acknowledge 
the  unlawfulnefs  of  offenfive  war,  by  prefacing 
their  declarations  of  hoftilities  with  arguments  to 
lhow,  that  they  are  not  the  aggreffors.*  In  bat- 
tle all  are  commonly  fpared  who  ceafe  to  refift. 
Captives arenot  led  in  oftentatious  triumph,  reduc- 
ed to  flavery,  or  flain  on  the  altars  of  fuperftition. 
The  inhabitants  of  conquered  countries  are  not 
tranfplanted  from  their  native  foil  ;  but  allowed 
their  poffeflions,  laws,  and  religion.  If  civil  wars 
have  not  been  equally  diverted  of  their  cruelty 
and  horror  as  foreign  wars,  their  afpect  is  foften- 
ed  j  and  if  the  piefent  conteft  in  Europe  has  a 
character  of  ferocity  ;  it  fnould  be  remembered 
that  it  is  a  peculiar  conteft  ;  it  is  a  flruggle  for 
exiitence  ;  it  is  the  collected  energy  of  defpo- 

V/uithrop's  Syftematic  Arrangement  of  Prophecies. 


_23 

tifm,  combating  the  defperate.enthufiafm  of  lib- 

erty ,-r 

The  advancement  of  ARTS  has  concurred  with 

the  principles  of  our  benign  religion  in  leffening 
the  evils  of  war,  by  opening  another  field  for  en- 
terprife  than  the  performance  of  martial  exploits, 
foftening  the  character,  and  creating  in  men  fuch 
an  incapacity  for  war  or  averiion  to  it,  that  the 
number  deftined  to  arms  in-  modern,  bears  no  pro- 
portion to  that  of  ancient  times. 

We  ought  to  acknowledge  with  gratitude  the 
benefits  of  the  deftrudtive  invention  of  GU  N  POW- 
DER. In  confequence  of  its  ufe  in  fighting,  it 
has  been  obferved,  war  is  changed  from  a  matter 
of  ftrength  to  a  matter  of  calculation  ;  nations 
are  placed  more  upon  a  level  ;  the  frequency  of 
appeals  to  arms  is  diminifhed  ;  and  the  mode  of 
fighting  is  fo  altered,  and  the  combatants  are  fo 
fecured  by  distance  and  fortifications,  that  fewer 
lives  are  deftroyed  in  a  modern  war  of  years,  than 
fell  in  former  ages  in  a  fingle  battle. 

By  fuch  methods,  and  in  fuch  meafure,  have 
the  horrors  of  war  been  mitigated  among  a  large 
portion  of  mankind.  Is  it  an  illufion  to  believe, 
that  by  the  increafe  of  the  influence  of  the  chrif- 
tian  religion,  and  by  the  progrefs  of  knowledge 
and  liberty,  a  period  will  be  put  to  contentions 
by  force,  and  the  world  be  bleiTed  wkh  univerfal 
and  perpetual  peace  ? 


r 


By  a  comp<lrifon  of  the  paft  with  the  prefent, 
it  appears  probable  that  human  affairs  are  grad- 
dually  advancing  to  perfection.     Though  they 
have  feemed  to  revolve,  alternately  afcending  to 
a  certain  point  of  elevation  ;  and  returning  to  a 
correfpondent  point  of  depreffion  ;  and  it  may  be 
fuppoled  will  continue  revolving  in  this  manner 
to  the  end  of  time  ;  yet  evident  is  it,  that  the  ef- 
fect  ot  every  total  revolution  has  been  a  better 
State   than  exifted   before   it  ;  that   the    fecond 
point,  of  elevation  has  been  higher  than  the  firft  ; 
the  third,  than  the  fecond;     The  Grecian  glorv 
was   brighter   than    the   Perfian  ;    the   Roman, 
brighter  than  the  Grecian  ;  and  the  glory  of  this 
age  exceeds  that  of  the  brighefr.  preceding.     In 
learning  and  arts,  in  government  and  religion,  in 
perfonal  liberty  and  fecurity,  in  convenience  and 
a'greeablenefs  of  living,  and  in  mildnefs  and  hu- 
manity of  manners,  in  all  that  exalts  and  blefles 
ibciety,  our  fuperiority  to  the  greateft  and  happi- 
eft  nations  of  antiquity  is  ilriking  and  inconteft- 
able.    None  can  deny  the  greater  humanity  dif- 
played  in  the  conduct  of  modern  wars.     As  wife 
and  benevolent  principles  have  prevailed  to  mi- 
tigate, why  may  they  not  further  prevail  to  ter- 
minate our  hoftilities  ?  As  one  Hep  has  been  tak- 
en from  the  ftate  of  nature  by  the  focial   ft  ate  of 
Individuals,   why  may  not  another  ftep  be  takeri 
by  the  foci  a!  State  of  nations  ?  It  is  agreed  that 


it  would  promote  their  true  intereft  to  fubftitute 
arbitration  for  the  appeal  to  arms,  when  difputes 
are  to  be  decided  ;  to  cultivate  each  his  own  ter- 
itory,  maintain  commerce  free,  and  direct  their 
energy  to  the  arts  of  peace.  It  may  be  thought 
that  they  will  not  apprehend  or  purfue  this  in- 
tereft  hereafter,  becaufe  they  have  not  apprehend- 
e4  or  purfued  it  heretofore.  Why  have  they  not 
always  difcerried  and  fought  it  ?  Becaufe  kings , 
and  the  minions  of  kings,  the  moft  ignorant  and 
profligate  of  their  ipecies,  have  managed  the  con- 
concerns  of  civilized  ftates,  who,  ftrangers  to  the 
maxims  of  found  policy  and  equity,  influenced 
by  contracted  views,  weak  thirft  for  dominion, 
or  miftaken  honor,  have  refufed  to  concur  in  any 
pacific  fyftem  ;  becaufe  the  people,  fhrouded, 
in  ignorance,  and  chained  in  fervitude,  have 
neither  known  nor  afferted  their  rights,  and 
could  be  controled  by  defpots  and  deluded  by  de- 
magogues 4 

But  a  new  era  is  commencing  in  humari  af- 
fairs, and  new  features  are  forming  in  the  human 
charader.  Light  is  pouring  in  upon  a  benight- 
ed world,  and  the  fhades  of  error  and  ignorance 
are  beginning  to  retire  before  it.  The  Ameri- 
can revolution  has  taken  the  film  from  the  eyes 
of  nations  j  and  enabled  them  to  read  the  eternal 
truths,  infcribed  by  God  on  the  heart  of  every 
jhurnan  being  ;  which  declare,  that  men  have 


equal  rights,  and  that  government  is  farmed  fole- 
]y  to  fecure  them.  With  this  progrefs  of  KNOW- 
LEDGE will  be  joined  the.eqyal  progrefs  of  her1 
infeparable  companion,  LIBERTY.  It  is  eftab- 
liihed  in  our  country,  it  is,  we  truft,  beginning 
to  be  eftablifhed  in  more  than  one  country  in 
Europe.  Whi-lft  the  contention  of  the  greateft 
nation  of  the  old  world  for  this  invaluable  blef- 
fing  is  marked  by  all  the  atrocities  anddiforders, 
which  can  be  expedied  to  enfue,  from  the  intoxi- 
cation of  freedom,  the  removal  of  accuftomed 
reflraints,  and  the  refentment  and  defpair  excit- 
ed by  a  wanton  and  corftbined  invafion  of  the 
enemies  of  their  caufe  among  a  numerous  people, 
hardened  by  oppreffion,  untaught  in  firft  princi- 
ples, and  debafed  and  corrupted  by  the  foul  vices 
of  atheifm  and  fiipcrftitidn  ;  whilfl  it  is  dif- 
graced  by  outrages,  at  which  reafon- and  religion 
weep,  and  humanity  recoils,  it  is  maintained 
with  an  undaunted  refolution,  and  a  reiiftleis  en- 
ergy, which  encourage  the  hope  of  its  happy 
iffue  in  the.eftablifhment  of  a  free  government. 
This  fpirit  will  probably  run  on  and  kindle  the 
flames  of  reiiftance  in  every  country  enflaved,  and 
and  introduce  a  new  order  of  things.  If  the  civil 
and  ecclefiaftical  oppreffors  of  the  earth,  alarm- 
ed at  the  fpreading  contagion,  add  double  weight 
to  the  chains  of  their  fubjects,  their  intemperate 
tyranny  will-  ferve  only  to  force  a  quicker  con- 


vidion  of  injury  into  the  hearts  of  the  opprefled  ; 
and  haflen  the  time,  and  aggravate  the  horrors 
of  their  fall.  In  this  way,  a  way  befet  with  dif- 
ficulty, extravagances,  andforrows,  will  liberty, 
the  foul  of  improvement,  the  fupport  of  virtue, 
and  the  bleiling  of  exiftence,  finally  triumph 
through  the  world. 

If  nations  become  enlightened  and  free,  they 
will,  at  the  fame  time,  become  felicitous  to  pre- 
ferve  mutual  peace  ;  becaufe  they  will  fee  peace 
to  be  their  intereii,  and  their  inteieft  they  will 
mainly  purfue.  Though  well  informed  repub- 
licans may,  by  the  influence  of  powerful  men, 
the  eloquence  of  incendiaries,  the  intrigues  of  the 
factious,  and  fudden  paffion,  be  dra\vn  into  iome 
erroneous  meafures  ;  yet  the  maxims  of  found 
policy  will  guide  their  general  counfels.  Man 
tends  to  his  own  happinefs  as  bodies  tend  to  their 
centre.  His  miftake  of  the  means,  not  his  un- 
concern about  the  end,  occafions  his  not  obtain- 
ing it.  By  experience  he  difcovers  thefe  means  ,• 
and  when  this  unerring  inftructer  fliall  teach  free 
and  independent  nations,  that  they  lofe  wealth, 
population,  glory,  and  happinefs  by  a  ftate  of 
hofttlity ,  'will  they  hot  mutually  cultivate  peace  ? 
Will  they  not  decline  contentions  by  force,  ex- 
cept in  cafes  of  imperious  neceffity ;  and  refped: 
the  rights,  that  they  may  enjoy  the  friendihip  of 
each  other  ? 


The  hope  infpired  by   thefc  confiderations  is 
raifed  to  aiTurance  by  the  evidence  fiirnifhed  by 
reafon  and  the  facred  predictions,  that  chriftiam^ 
ty  will  be   finally  embraced  by  all   mankind, 
Thofc  whofe  faith  and  expectation  reft  on  this 
fyftem,    as  on  the  rock  of  ages,  cannot  be  per- 
fuaded,   vtriumphant  as  unbelief  may  be,  that    it 
will  fail  of  its  juft  influence  over  mankind  in  due 
time.     They  fee  in  its  grand  difcoveries,  benign. 
fpirit,  pure  precepts,  and  noble  intention,  all  that 
is  conducive  to  the  confolation  and  improvement 
of  individuals,  the  order  and  happipefs  of  focie- 
iy  >  and    they  cherifh  the    pleafirig  belief,  that 
iboner  or  later  its   charms  will  be  difplayed  to 
mankind  in  that  juft  and  imprefive  view,  which 
will  engage  their  admiration   and  love.     Does 
the  paft  mefficacy  foretel  the  future  rejection   of 
this  divine  fyftem  ?  By  no  means :  for  men  have 
been  hitherto  from  various  caufes  more  incapaci- 
tated and  more  indifpofed  to  receive  it,  than  we 
truft  they  will  be  in  future.     In   almoft  every 
country,  it  has  been  made  an  engine  of  tyranni- 
cal power,  and  a  fupport  of  civil  abufes.     It  has 
been  concealed  under  the  rubbim,  which  barban- 
ous  ages  have  heaped  upon  it.     It  has  been  mif- 
reprefented  by  the  interefted  or  abfurd  conftruc- 
tions  •  and  difhonored  by  the  loofe,  the  unchari- 
table, and  worldly  practices  of  its  teachers.   And 
p,en  have  beheld  in  chriftianity  not  the  majeftrc. 


and  beautiful  flrudture  raifed  by  Chrift  and  his 
apoftles  ;  but  a  misftiapen  and  deformed  edifice 
of  human  contrivance.  It  being  reprefented  in 
this  falfe  and  diftorted  view,  by  men  not  daring 
through  fear,  or  not  defiring  through  interefl, 
or  not  capacitated  through  ignorance  and  preju- 
dice to  reprefent  it  in  a  more  juft  and  fair  one, 
men  of  free  minds,  beholding  it  only  in  this  re- 
prefentation,  have  been  unable  to  refpeft,  have 
been  compelled  to  contemn  it.  When  ftripped 
of  every  human  appendage,  it  mall  Hand  forth  in 
its  genuine  form  ;  when,  by  the  diffufion  of  light 
fiiperftition  and  bigotry  mall  wear  away;  and 
by  the  experience  of  their  enormous  evils, 
irrcligion  and  fcepticifm  fhall  appear  as  they  are, 
the  poifon  of  human  pea'ce  and  happinefs  ;  men 
Xvill  be  prompted  to  feek  a  retreat  from  the  dark- 
nefs  of  doubt,  and  the  tempefts  of  paffion,  in  this 
light:  and  ferene  temple  of  God. 

But  the  immoveable  foundati'on  of  our  faithf 
in  the  final  and  complete  fuccefs  of  the  chriftian 
religion,  is  laid  in  thofe  predictions  of  the  facred 
writings,  the  accomplifhment  of  apart  of  which 
is  a  pledge  of  the  completion  of  the  whole. 
Thefe  point  our  enraptured  view  to  a  time,  when 
"  Jefus  Chrift  fhall  have  the  heathen  for  his  in- 
heritance and  the  uttermoft  parts  of  the  earth  for 
!his  poiTcfTion.  The  knowledge  of  God  fhall 
(jo ver  the  earth,  as  the  waters  fill  the  feas  :  Tivc 


faints  of  the  Moft  High  lhall  take  the  kingdom ; 
and  the  greatnefs  of  the  kingdom  under  the  whole 
heaven  fhall  be  given  to  the  people  of  the  faints 
of  the  Moft  High.  The  people  fhall  be  all  righ- 
teous, and  not  hurt  nor  deftroy.  Nation  fhall 
not  lift  up  fword  again  ft  nation  ;  but  they  fhall 
beat  their  fwords  into  plough  fhares  and  their 
f pears  into  pruning  hooks,  and  learn  war  no 
more  :"  Thus  the  univerfal  prevalence  of  chrif- 
tian  principles  will  fecure  and  perpetuate  univer- 
fal peace.  Among  nations,  warmed  by  that 
charity,  which  feeketh  not  her  own,  and  em- 
braces all  men  as  brethren  ;  and  guided  by  that 
equity,  which  renders  to  all  their  dues  ;  difputes 
as  injuries  will  be  rare  ;  and  when  they  arife, 
will  be  peaceably  adjufted  by  acknowledged 
principles  or  a  common  tribunal.  The  efforts, 
now  expended  in  the  defence,  will  be  employed 
in  the  improvement  of  countries  ;  and  the  gifts 
of  nature,  now  unufed  or  deftroyed,  will  be  made 

to  yield  all  their  refources  to  public  and  private 
happinefs.  In  the  intercourfe  of  independent 

communities,  harmony  will  take  place  of  difTen- 
fiOH,  beneficence  of  unkindnefs,  fincerity  of  de- 
ceit, and  unfufpicious  fecurity  of  jealous  fear. 

We  have  now  finifhed  the  difcufion  of  the  pro- 
pofed  topics  of  this  difcourfe  ;  and  have  endeav- 
oured to  fliow,  that  great  and  unqueftionable  an 
evil  as  war  is,  it  is  ever  fuperintended  by  a  wife 


and  benevolent  Providence,  and  made  produc- 
tive of  good  in  feveral  important  inftances ;  that 
its  horrors  have  been  mitigated  by  the  mildnefs 
of  the  chriftian  fpirit  and  the  advancement  of 
arts  ;  and  we  have  reafon  to  believe,  that  by  the 
increafed  and  extended  influence  of  this  fpirit  and 
the  progrefs  of  light  and  freedom,  the  practice 
deciding  natural  difputes  by  force  will  be 

lifhed,  and  univerfal  and  perpetual  peace  blefs 
the  world. 

A  few  reflections  arifing  from  the  fubjeft, 
and  adapted  to  the  ftate  of  out  country  and  the 
prefent  occafion,  will  be  added. 

Vice,  we  have  feen,  is  rendered  in  many  re- 
fpeds  productive  of  good ;  but  let  it  not  there- 
fore be  lefs  detefted.  It  is  odious  in  its  nature, 
and  deftruflive  in  its  diretfl  confequences  ;  and 
if  fuffered  to  take  its  unreftrained  courfe,  would 
fpread  ruin  and  diforder  through  the  worldo 
When  the  irreligious  are  made  without  intention 
to  promote  religion,  the  tyrannical  freedom,  and 
the  cruel  humanity,  let  us  abhor  the  inflruments,. 
whilft  we  approve  the  ends,  and  lament  the 
caufes,  whilft  we  rejoice  in  the  effedts.  Inun- 
dations and  tempefts  excite  grief  and  terror, 
though  they  fertilize  the  earth,  or  purify  the  air. 

Are  we  affurecL  that  all  events  are  fubjed:  to- 
the  wife  and  good  direction  of  God ;  that  par- 
tial evil  is  general  good;  and  that  ambition,. 


pride,  revenge,  and  impiety  are  made  in  unnurri* 
bered  ways  to  ifTiie  in  advantage  to  the  fyftem 
of  rational  and  fenfitive  being ;  huflicd  be  our 
complaints,  compofed  be  our  fears.  "The 
Lord  reigneth  ;  let  the  earth  rejoice.  Though 
clouds  and  darknefs  are  round  about  him,  right- 
ufnefs  and  judgment  are  the  foundation  of  his 


rone," 


What  emotions  of  pious  gratitude  and  pleaf- 
ing  wonder  fliould  we  feel,  when  we  confidcr 
that  peace  has  been  the  general  lot  of  our  coun- 
try ;  that  from  the  favourable  character  and  cir-r 
cumftances,  of  the  American  people,  our  revolu- 
tion was  unattended  by  that  defolation  and  hor- 
ror, convulfion  and  diftrefs,' which  mark  that  of 
r>.  great  European  nation;  that  we  are  flowing 
jn  the  wealth  and  profperity  of  peace  and  neu- 
trality, whilft  the  old  world  is  fufferirrg  the 
havoc  and  devaluation  of  as  extenfive,  as  furious, 
and  as  calamitous  a  war,  as  ever  afflicted  and 
difgraced  mankind j  and  laftly,  that  the  genius 
of  our  government,  the  good  fenfe  and  virtue  of 
our  citizens,  and  the  remotenefs  of  our  fltuation 
from  the  cabals  of  Europe,  afford  us  the  faireft 
profpecl  of  the  continued  and  perpertual  enjoy- 
ment of  pea-ce,  which  ever  flione  on  any  nation 
of  the  earth. 

But  fuch  is  the  verfatility  of  human  affairs, 
fucb  the  violence  of  human  paffions,  and  fuch 


the  difoidered  ftatc  of  trie  world  in  general,  that 
none  could  be  furprifed,  were  this  profpecl  fud- 
denly  obfcured.  The  clouds  have  fcarce  difap- 
Beared,  which  lately  darkened  our  political  fky  ; 
God  only  knows  how  foon  they  may  again  collecT: 
krid  thicken  to  a  tempeft.  Every  poffible  motive 
urges  our  government  to  fofter,  and  our  citizens 
to  cultivate  the  military  art.  Whatever  hope  we 
may  entertain  of  the  future  prevalence  of  pacific 
principles  among  nations,  we  know  that  this  age 
Will  not  enjoy  its  completion  j  that  ftrength  is 
now  the  only  fafe  guard  of  right ;  and  that  to  be 
obliged  to  fight  for  our  liberties  and  laws,  or  fur- 
render  themj  is  no  improbable  alternative  in  this: 
period  of  convulfion,  It  becomes  us  to  be  pre- 
pared to  {how  ourfelves  riot  unworthy  of  thefe 
bleflings,  by  our  {kill  and  valor  in  their  defence. 
Should  the  unhallowed  hand  of  foreign  or  do- 
meftic  violence  attempt  to  wreft  them  from  us,. 
to  be  ready  to  proted:  them  with  our  lives  and 
fortunes,  is  a  duty  we  owe  to  heaven  and  to  earth  ; 
to  the  caufe  of  liberty  in  all  countries,  which 
looks  to  us  for  direction  and  encouragement  ^ 
to  our  fathers,  who  beftowed,  and  to  our  child- 
ren who  will  receive  the  fair  inheritance,  whofe 
execrations  we  {hall  richly  merit,  if  it  be  not 
tranfmitted  to  them  undiminilhed  ;  to  the  fages 
and  heroes,  who  paid  the  price  of  our  freedom 
with  their  counfels,  labors,  wounds,  and  death; 


84 

to  that  God,  who  fought  our  battles  and  ordained 
our  triumph,  who  hath  fet  us  on  an  eminence,  a 
ci  leflbn  to  the  oppreflbr,  or,  an  example  to  the, 
opprefTed,"  a  fublime  and  inftru&iveipedtacle  to 
the  world . 

To  the  Gentlemen,  who  compofe  the  Ancient 
and  Honorable  Company,  whofe  anniverfary 
Election  gives  brilliancy  to  this  day,  thefe  con- 
iiderations  need  not  an  elaborate  difplay.  The 
paft  utility  and  refpedtability  of  their  inftitution  ; 
the  attention  paid  them  by  the  Supreme  Ex-* 
ecutive  of  the  commonwealth ;  and  the  military, 
civil,  and  moral  worth  of  character,  which  they 
poflefs,  are  fo  many  pledges  to  their  country, 
that  they  will  purfue,  with  fteadincfs  and  vigor, 
the  objects  of  their  affociation,  and  will  continue 
it  a  nurfery  of  martial  fkill  and  fpirit, 

May  we  all  remember  that  we  are  engaged  ir* 
a  warfare,  in  which  the  contention  is  not  for  an 
earthly  republic,  that  will  pafs  away,  but  for  a 
heavenly  kingdom,  that  will  endure  forever. 
Death  will  loon  releafe  us  from  the  fervice ;  and 
introduce  us  to  our  Divine  Commander,  whofe 
plaudit  or  cenfure  we  fhall  then  receive.  Where 
are  the  thoufands,  who  in  a  long  fucceffion  of 
years,  have  joined  in  the  devotion  of  this  houfe 
on  the  prefent  anniverfary,  and  rejoiced  like  us 
on  the  cheerful  occafion.  They  have  fallen  by 
the  ftroke  of  the  great  deftroyer,  and  lie  mould? 


cring  duft,  in  the  dark  chambers  of  the  caverned 
earth.  Happy  they,  who  amid  powerful  ene- 
mies, have  maintained  with  refolution  the  chrif- 
tian  warfare,  and  fecured  the  conqueft.  The 
voice  of  the  arch  angel  and  the  trump  of  God 
will  wake  to  life  the  (lumbering  atoms ;  and  the 
Captain  of  their  falvation  will  adorn  their  vic- 
torious brows  with  the  garland  of  immortality. 


M180702 


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